Lobsterman support license adjustments for active duty military

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) --- Members of the state's first lobstermen's union were busy lobbying at the State House on Wednesday.

The union is supporting some bills, including one that would protect lobstering licenses for people serving in the military.

Under current law, lobstermen in the military still have to pay license fees while serving overseas. If they don't, they run the risk of losing their license. In addition, servicemen and women waiting to get a lobstering license can lose their spot in line while on duty.

The proposed law would change that. On Wednesday several lobstermen spoke in favor of it.

"At the time they're in battle...that's the furthest thing from their mind is renewing their lobster license," said Jonesport lobsterman Rocky Alley, whose son lost his spot on the waiting list while serving in the Maine Army National Guard, "They're out there probably ducking bullets...they're not concerned with that at that time, which no one would. But when they get back they would expect to have the same privelidige they left home with."

The Marine Resources Committee is expected to vote on the bill and several others by the end of next week.